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Whizzkid buys almost one property a month during COVID-19

Real Estate

28-year-old real estate “whizzkid” Eddie Dilleen who has been buying up a storm across Brisbane when the rest of the country was in COVID-19 lockdown. Pictured at one of his properties in Greenacre, Sydney. Picture: Dylan Robinson

A 28-year-old ‘whizzkid’ bought almost one property a month while Australia was in the grip of COVID-19, one of many investors scooping up high rental yield homes at a discount now.

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Eddie Dilleen bought two Ipswich duplexes in April, paying $410,000 ($130k discount on the last price paid). Rented at $580 a week, the gross yield sits at 7.3 per cent.

For Eddie Dilleen, 28, who has 25 properties in his portfolio, it’s a no-brainer to buy now, especially with interest rates so low.

“I’ve bought seven properties in total since COVID started. Six properties in Brisbane and one in Sydney. The six properties I bought in Queensland were to continue building my property portfolio growth, mixing from houses, duplexes, townhouses and a commercial property also. The other property in Sydney was changing PPOR (place of residence) and was bought for $1.3m.”

“So, since COVID-19 started I’ve added almost $2.5m to my property portfolio bringing the total value close to $8m in property I own.”

EDDIE DILLEEN’S BRISBANE COVID BUYS:

March: Townhouse (Logan): Paid $135,000; Rent $270 a week; 10.4% gross yield.

April: Two Ipswich Duplexes: Paid $410,000 ($130k discount on last price paid); Rent $580 a week; 7.3% gross yield.

May: Ipswich 2 bed villa: Paid $133,000; Rent $280 a week; 10.9% gross yield.

August: Commercial property (Logan): Paid $200,000; commercial lease 12.5% gross yield.

September: Two bed unit (Surfers Paradise): Unconditional $210,000; Rent $350; 8.6% gross yield.

(Source: Eddie Dilleen)

In May, Eddie Dilleen bought this Ipswich two-bedroom villa for $133,000. Rented out at $280 a week, the property gets him a 10.9 per cent gross yield.

When it came to how his portfolio would be hit because of COVID-19, Mr Dilleen said he “wasn’t concerned at all”.

“I have invested with a strategic formula to minimise risk,” he said. “My property portfolio is extremely cashflow positive which means the total income far outweighs the expenses and holding costs.”

Mr Dilleen said he got almost $500,000 rental income a year while his mortgage expenses sat at $200,000 a year, leaving $300,000 in the kitty as a buffer through any economic shockwaves.

“I haven’t thought about negotiating better terms with the banks due to COVID-19. I haven’t had any issues with tenants paying rent or anything either.”

The man who bought his first property at 18 after saving two years worth of earnings working at McDonalds, said his goal was to never sell any property he bought.

“I hate the idea of selling property. Most people regret selling properties after 10 to 15 years because usually they are worth a lot more.”

His three-pronged wishlist for properties was “good cashflow or high yields, capital growth and buying properties at a discount price below market value to create instant equity of 15 to 20 per cent plus”.

What drives him is being able to buy a property way under market or bank valuation.

Eddie Dilleen paid $200,000 in August for this commercial property in Logan. It has a 12.5 per cent gross yield.

”If someone needs to sell and their main priority is getting a quick sale they will usually compromise on price, therefore sell lower. It’s just about having the right contacts and putting in the research and work.”

Mr Dilleen said he often bought properties at $50,000 to $100,000 below what the bank valuation was.

He said the prices he got were usually unheard of in the wider market because most people just limited themselves to places where they lived.

“I’ve bought in Brisbane as close to the CBD as 5km but also as far as 40km. Same with Sydney. I’ve bought as close as 12km to the city CBD and also as far as 35 km.”

“Property investing is about numbers and making money to create a life of financial freedom. To me the only thing that matters is the profit, not the colour of the carpet or if the paint isn’t the nicest. It’s about trying to take the emotion out of property investing.”

In March, the start of the COVID-19 lockdown, Eddie Dilleen bought this townhouse in Logan for $135,000. Rented at $270 a week, it has a gross yield of 10.4 per cent.

His top tip was research or get help from someone who can get results and has done it themselves.

“Build the right team of people who can help you such as mortgage broker, property manager and buyer’s agent if you don’t have the time to do it yourself. Property investing can be extremely complex as everyone has their own opinion and thinks they’re an expert.

I would recommend people to not listen to the naysayers, If I can do it, anyone can. I grew up in an extremely poor family and no one owned a property at all – now I own 24 plus properties.”

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Luxury Bickley Vale estate on the market set to annihilate local property records

Real Estate

No. 170 Westbrook Rd, Bickley Vale, is one for the buyer after some space.

A 2ha luxury contemporary residence on the outskirts of Camden, ticks all the boxes for buyers after more space in this coronavirus world.

Built by its owners six years ago, 170 Westbrook Road at Bickley Vale offers buyers a bush oasis with an eye-catching swimming pool, mesmerising interiors and a whopping 1016sqm of internal space.

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The property is for sale via an expressions of interest campaign and is expected to sell for upwards of $5m.

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The house was built by the current owners six years ago.

A sale at this price point would see it annihilate the Bickley Vale residential record by $3.8m — surpassing the previous $1.2m record set in 2013 by 136 Westbrook Rd, according to CoreLogic.

Davies Mclean Property’s Stuart Davies said the sprawling estate is the fifth property that the vendors have built and designed themselves.

“They’ve really nailed this one — it would have to be the best one yet,” he said.

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Set on 2ha, it could break the Bickley Vale suburb record by $3.8m.

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The outdoor kitchen has a pizza oven.

Since coming up for sale at the start of the month, the sprawling estate has become a hit on realestate.com.au with more than 8000 people viewing the listing ad. Mr Davies said it has been really popular with a range of families after more space from the local area and across Sydney.

“This would be the first home like to come up for sale in the area in more than six months, so buyers have been waiting a while,” he said.

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The bar also has a cellar to store lots of wine.

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The resort-style pool will make every day a holiday.

“There is plenty of demand for high quality homes in the district and stock levels cannot keep up.”

Blending sandstone and timber characterises, the 1016sqm of internal space across two wings features multiple entertaining spaces, five bedrooms and a luxe kitchen with a butler’s pantry.

The main integrated living and dining area has an open fireplace and huge windows all natural light to saturate the space. There is also a spectacular resort-style swimming pool and an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven.

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Two wings are connected by a central living room.

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The main bedroom has lots of natural light and space.

Off the main living area and outdoor kitchen is a games room that also features a bar and cellar to store plenty of wine. Other features include an aquarium, a sweeping driveway entrance, airconditioning, games room and a four car garage.

Expressions of interest on 170 Westbrook Rd close on September 30.

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Renovators delight in premium suburb a great opportunity

73 York Street, Sandy Bay. Fall.

73 York Street, Sandy Bay. Picture: SUPPLIED

GRAB a pen and get ready to tick some boxes.

Premium Sandy Bay address? Check. Classic historic architecture? Ready and raring for a renovater’s magical touch? Check and check, again.

This 1930s Californian bungalow is described as “in need of love” and a “renovator’s delight”. And that will sound like a wonderful opportunity for anyone with the skills and the inspiration to get started on a restoration project.

Situated in popular York Street, this gem boasts fantastic street appeal.

Once inside, the appeal and potential is crystal clear. Be it a forever home or with an eye to adding value and selling later on.

73 York Street, Sandy Bay. Fall.

Neat and tidy.

73 York Street, Sandy Bay. Fall.

Floorboards under the carpet.

The home has Tasmanian oak floorboards waiting to be revealed, high ceilings and a cosy sandstone fireplace, just to name a few of the wonderful characteristics it offers.

On the lower level there is a self-contained flat with one bedroom, a bathroom/laundry, dining area, lounge and kitchen.

The separate laundry is on the lower level.

On the street level, the doors opens to a wide entrance foyer.

From here there are three bedrooms, two with built-in wardrobes.

The main part of the residence offers a bathroom and a galley kitchen, which leads to a sunroom or dining area.

73 York Street, Sandy Bay. Fall.

A sunny spot.

73 York Street, Sandy Bay. Fall.

Good size yard.

The loungeroom has double doors opening to a another sunny north-facing sunroom with a lovely leafy outlook and water glimpses through trees.

The land is a generous size at 764sq m, which offers the possibility to build a townhouse or unit at the rear of the house, subject to council approvals.

The position attracts all day sun and is in proximity to quality schools, the beach, shopping, various cafes, Wrest Point Casino, Sandy Bay Yacht Club, and it is within walking distance to the University of Tasmania.

There is off-street parking for three or more cars.

73 York Street, Sandy Bay. Fall.

Blast from the past.

73 York Street, Sandy Bay. Fall.

Time to get to work.

Fall Real Estate property consultant Jeanne Best said this ‘30s property is waiting for someone to restore it to the “beautiful charming home it once was”.

“There is no doubt that someone with imagination and flair could restore this property to a wonderful family home,” she said.

Sandy Bay’s 73 York Street is listed with Fall Real Estate Sandy Bay and priced around $875,000.

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Crescents Beach property on the market has a private nine-hole golf course and 6km beach

Real Estate

The property at 1126 Point Plomer Rd, Crescent Head, is expected to sell for around $5m.

With a nine-hole golf course, tennis court, private waterway and 6km of beachfront — this property might just be the ultimate iso-retreat in NSW.

Located on 48.5ha of land at Crescent Head on the Mid North Coast, the sprawling estate also has an outdoor multimedia room, function space and native animals such as koalas.

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No. 1126 Point Plomer Road is on the market for the first time in 10 years with expectations that it will sell for around $5m.

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There are eight bedrooms on the property.

Listed with Ken Jacobs, Christie’s International Real Estate agent Bruce Eason said the Crescent Head is one of the most unique properties in the region.

“It is truly a one of a kind property, there is nothing else like it in the area,” he said.

The eight bedroom residence features a luxury homestead, detached honeymoon suite and four private cabins.

The homestead has a large open plan kitchen and living area with a gas kitchen, fireplace and bi-fold doors that flow to an outdoor area.

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The open plan kitchen and living area flows outside.

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Not a bad outdoor kitchen.

Designed for the outdoors, the estate has an undercover spa, fire pit, a pizza oven and a dining room. There is also a shed, tennis court, boat dock, nine-hole golf course, a multimedia room and direct access to the beach.

Mr Eason said the home offers just about every possible amenity a buyer would never to leave after moving in.

“With Woolworths doing home deliver in the area, you’ll never need to venture off the property,” he said.

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There is a tennis court with lights.

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The property also has multiple outdoor areas.

Used by the currently owners for mostly private purposes, Mr Eason said it also allows buyers the ability to operate a luxury retreat with their being four private cabins.

“The property can accommodate up to 18 guests comfortably,” he said.

Mr Eason said the business opportunities the property offers has attracted the most interest so far.

“There’s a few looking at running a health or yoga retreat out of the property,” he said.

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A fire pit is bound to be popular while watching the night sky.

The property could also be used for weddings, tennis camps, yoga or golf retreat, wellness spa and an eco lodge, according to the listing ad.

However, there are some buyers who want the property to become a private family residence.

“A lot of buyers are wanting to get out of places like Sydney or Byron due to overcrowding and this fits the descriptions for what they are after,” he said.

Situated near the township of Crescent Head and Port Macquarie Airport, 1126 Point Plomer Road also had river ducks, black swans, koalas and kangaroos who live on the property.

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Ugly duckling no more after massive three-year renovation

This is how 28 Loch Street, West End, looked when the couple bought it in March 2017.

It was the location that first won over Danny Ngo and Tina Tran when they viewed 28 Loch Street, West End in 2017.

Mr Ngo said it had good bones, with high ceilings, timber floors, VJ walls and plenty of period features. “It was a big project for us,” Mr Ngo said. “It was the location that we really wanted because my son was starting at Brisbane State High and that location is so nice and quiet and close to everything.”

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The front of 28 Loch Street, West End, after the renovation which has taken almost three years to perfect.

A haven for outdoor entertainers.

As they had never taken on a renovation of this size and scale before, the family hired architect Jeff Collins of JT Collins Architects, to ensure they could achieve exactly what they wanted with the project.

“We were thinking we would do a small renovation and then move in,” Mr Ngo said.

But the job became bigger than expected and although work started in late 2017, the renovation has only recently been completed with no part of the home left untouched.

A third level was added out the back of the property.

The new extension can be a stand-alone home, making it a dual living property.

It started life as a two-level, four-bedroom house, although Mr Ngo said two of those bedrooms were too small to be used for that purpose. It has been transformed into a six-bedroom, five-bathroom, three-level home.

“We pretty much only kept the old front half of the house and we demolished the back and built another level there, so it became three levels,” Mr Ngo said.

Old elements were maintained at the front of the home.

All modern grays in a new bathroom.

“We have only just finished it. We were living in it a little bit, staying there every weekend, but our circumstances have now changed, which is why we are selling.”

Mr Ngo said because it was renovated to be their permanent home, only the best finishes were used throughout, which is also why it exceeded their original budget.

“In the beginning, I was trying to keep the budget low, something like about $600,000 but it cost a lot more,” he said.

Before renovation the living zone was spacious but dated.

The freshened up living zone.

“My favourite part of the home is around the kitchen and the deck; it is the most relaxed place when I sit there.”

The lower level of the home can be used as a private two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence as it has a kitchen and laundry as well as an entertaining area.

The middle level of the home is the renovated original part of the house. This has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. There is also an open plan living, dining and kitchen area plus a walk-in pantry, main laundry and extra powder room.

Both of the bedrooms on this level have direct access to the front deck.

The upper level of the house has a parents’ retreat in addition to two bedrooms and a full bathroom as well as a deck.

The house will be auctioned on Saturday, September 26, at 11.30am through David Sullivan of One Percent Property Sales.

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Vast rural holding 20-minutes drive from New Norfolk

21 Clarendon Road, Gretna. Knight Frank.

21 Clarendon Road, Gretna.

WELCOME to Wensleydale, an impressive riverside homestead on 141ha of land just 20 minutes from New Norfolk

The vast property’s 350-odd acres of picturesque grazing land is full of potential agricultural or tourism development depending on what inspires its next owner.

Many homes around Greater Hobart can boast river views, some even sit on the waterfront. But Wensleydale as it plays host to 2km of stunning Derwent River frontage.

It also has a 100 megalitre water right.

21 Clarendon Road, Gretna. Knight Frank.

Welcome.

21 Clarendon Road, Gretna. Knight Frank.

Rural bliss.

The homestead was built in 1994, a three- bedroom two-bathroom brick home.

On offer is a huge open plan kitchen, living and dining area. that is partially wrapped around by a veranda. Tall ceilings give this space an added touch of grandeur while the brick fireplace feature hints at the home’s vintage. This, combined with central heating, ensures the winter chill is no problem at all.

The timber kitchen is well equipped for the home cook that loves to entertain. There is plenty of cupboards, storage, bench and preparation space for moments when friends drop by and views of the colourful countryside that would make even jobs like washing up that little bit less worrisome.

21 Clarendon Road, Gretna. Knight Frank.

How’s the serenity?

21 Clarendon Road, Gretna. Knight Frank.

Framed views.

This corner of the house is also home to a generous 3.6m x 4.5m office.

Between the dining room and the garage on the opposite side of the home there is a lovely courtyard with impeccable views.

A sunroom separates the courtyard from the master bedroom, which is privately positioned beyond the living rooms and the second and third bedroom. It has a walk-in wardrobe, an ensuite and easy access to another toilet.

Outdoors, there are beautifully maintained gardens and a workshop. The property has NBN and three-phase power available.

As well as being located pretty close to New Norfolk, the property is less than one hour’s drive from Hobart.

No.21 Clarendon Road, Gretna is listed with Knight Frank and will be sold by expressions of interest closing October 7.

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The Block 2020 episode 16 recap: in a stressful week contestants deliver the best Block bathrooms ever

In a week when COVID-19 was three days from shutting down the country, the contestants somehow managed to deliver the best five bathrooms The Block has ever seen.

There wasn’t a bad decision among them, and the voting was as close as it’s ever been, and Scott Cam paid tribute to the contestants before delivering the judges’ verdict.

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He said after last year’s Block he had vowed to make things easier for future contestants.

“I promised myself we’d never do a Block that hard again, and here we are, doing a Block while the rest of the world goes to hell,” he says. “You’ve shown nothing but a fighting spirit all the way.”

Perhaps hardest hit were Sarah and George, who had the death of Sarah’s grandmother to cope with, as well as pre-ordering every tiny item needed for the rest of The Block build and creating their master ensuite.

STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL SUNDAY SEPT 20 9PM Sarah and George's master ensuite bathroom

Sarah and George’s efforts in a trying week scored them a perfect 10 from Neale Whitaker.

They were rewarded with their efforts with a perfect 10 from Neale Whitaker, and while it wasn’t enough to secure them the win, Sarah was chipper.

“I don’t give a s. t!” she says. “We got a 10!”

Their black bath, black trims and black fittings paired with blush pink subway tiles laid vertically alongside small white square tiles, white subway tiles laid horizontally and square floor tiles had the judges lauding their chutzpah in defying the cardinal rule of not having too many different tiles in a single space.

“It blends beautifully,” judge Shaynna Blaze says. “That’s what I love about design. When you are confident, you know the rules and can break them.”

Harry and Tash came a cropper with those rules during guest bathroom week, and while they’ve again chosen three different styles of tile, this time they did it right.

Their green vertically laid subway tiles have the judges oohing and aahing, and their skylight, black and brass fittings, double shower and elegant white basins and bath are declared perfect choices.

STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL SUNDAY SEPT 20 9PM Harry and Tash's master ensuite bathroom

Four different tile choices didn’t harm Harry and Tash’s chances this week.

They lose marks for their shower screen not reaching the tile line. They made the same error last week but Harry didn’t think a 10cm shortfall would matter.

“Why would you do that?” a puzzled Shaynna asks.

Daniel and Jade’s ensuite is hidden behind wardrobe doors, and opens up to a Alice in Wonderland of matte marble floor tiles, matching gloss versions on the shower wall and an epic two walls of fiddly and hard to lay fish scale tiles which Daniel was dead against because of the toll he knew it would take on their tiler.

Other Block tilers told him they’d walk off the job rather than take on such a job, but it ended up being a master stroke, with the judges loving the choice.

They lose points for not choosing a longer vanity, when they had the room for one.

“I’ve got cosmetics for days and I like to spread them around,” Darren Palmer says.

STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL SUNDAY, SEPT 20 9PM Jimmy and Tam's master ensuite.

Jimmy and Tam fixed their walk-in robe disaster by creating a separate ensuite.

Jimmy and Tam are on a mission to show the judges they listened to their harsh feedback from last week. They’ve closed the door in their walk-in robe and moved a wall to fix the problem of having their ensuite only accessible via a stroll through a bathroom.

They’ve chosen blush pink subway tiles, brass fittings, pink concrete basins, a vanity which matches their bed head and bedside tables, modern terrazzo floor tiles and skylights.

They only thing they don’t have is a bath, because their rejigged wardrobe doesn’t allow them enough space for one.

“If we didn’t have the others to compare to I would say this is a perfect size for a couple. If I was a buyer I would prefer a bigger walk-in robe than a bath in my ensuite because I can put a bath in the main bathroom,” Shaynna Blaze says.

They do lose points for not having appropriate over vanity lighting, but it’s a minor quibble easily fixed.

STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL SUNDAY SEPT 20 Luke and Jasmin's master ensuite bathroom

Luke and Jasmin finally score a win with their master ensuite.

Luke and Jasmin have pulled out all the stops to win this week.

They have a curved wall, circular skylight, $6000 black stone bath – which they chipped getting into the room – fluted shower screen and rolled brass fittings in their whopping 10.5 sqm room.

They say they’ve once again decided to go with their guts rather than the era of the home.

“I don’t know how 1910s it is,” Jasmin admits. “I wouldn’t call it a 1910s bathroom, I’d call it a bathroom that’s going to sell a house in Brighton.”

STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL SUNDAY SEPT 20 AT 9PM Luke and Jasmin's master ensuite bathroom

Luke and Jasmin’s curved wall circular skylight and rolled brass fittings impressed the judges.

Luckily, the judges don’t entirely agree.

“This is exceptional. They have given us a very modern bathroom but they have remained faithful to those period cues,” Neale Whitaker says.

One of their basins is too close to the shower screen, and the loo roll holder is in the wrong place, but other that than the judges can find little fault.

It’s going to be a close one, so Jimmy and Tam decide to use the bonus point they won last year, and Luke and Jasmin can’t conceal their disappointment. Last season a situation just like this nearly caused World War III to breakout, but this year their use of the point sees them tie for first place with Luke and Jasmin, so warfare is averted.

Tying for second place is Harry and Tash and Sarah and George, with Daniel and Jade coming last, with a score that would have seen them win in many other weeks.

STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL SUNDAY SEPT 20 AT 9PM Daniel and Jade's master ensuite bathroom

Daniel and Jade came last, with an incredibly high score.

FINAL SCORES

1 – Luke and Jasmin 29

1 – Jimmy and Tam 29

2 – Harry and Tash 28.5

2 – Sarah and George 28.5

3 – Daniel and Jade 28

MISSED AN EPISODE?

Episodes 14, 15 recap: ‘D*** move’: Tensions rise as team dobs on another

Episode 13 recap: ‘Blockhead’s potty antics disgust Keith’

Episode 10-11 recap: The new Block rule that could ruin the season

Episode 9 recap: Favouritism allegations hit The Block

Episode 8 recap: Judges pull no punches on grieving Daniel and Jade

Episode 6-7 recap: Sack your builder: Keith slams ‘pathetic’ work

Episode 4 recap: Luke and Jasmin’s big stuff up

Episode 3 recap: “So two years ago”. Team’s boring room slammed

Episode 2 recap: Disappointment as Block houses are handed out

Episode 1 recap: Block 2020 tears start flowing early

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Albury-Wodonga among top regional investment markets

Simon Dallinger - Albury

Albury Wodonga has been named a hot property market. Picture: Simon Dallinger

Albury-Wodonga has been named one of Australia’s hottest regional property markets, as buyers turn their attention away from major cities and towards the country.

Hotspotting expert Terry Ryder called the border town one of Australia’s “top five cheapies” and a regional hot spot for 2020/21 in two separate reports recently published.

He said the joint cities’ booming infrastructure projects had helped the area thrive through coronavirus.

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A modest house designed for living large in Albury

Simon Dallinger - Albury

Aerial view across Albury. Picture: Simon Dallinger

Simon Dallinger - Albury

The border twin city is divided by the Murray River. Picture: Simon Dallinger

“The area’s biggest employers are hospital and medical services … aged care … supermarkets and food, and they have been pumping in this period,” Mr Ryder said.

“And the military, which has been unaffected by the current situation.”

He said a huge “exodus to affordable lifestyle” was underway across Australia, with towns one to two hours from capital cities thriving as a result.

Simon Dallinger - Albury

Infrastructure projects have boosted the economy. Picture: Simon Dallinger

Check Point Albury/ Wodonga

The cities have been in the spotlight with the border closed to NSW during coronavirus. Picture: Simon Dallinger.

Buyer’s agent Lloyd Edge said the cities had been a “popular choice for Millennials” who were “priced out of the housing market” in Melbourne.

He said a thriving economy allowed for a food and music scene, museums, festivals and an outdoor lifestyle valued by young buyers.

“For investors, this is an attractive place to invest because of the strong Albury-Wodonga economy that produces approximately $7.2bn gross regional product,” Mr Edge added.

12 Partridge Way, Wodonga is for sale.

The four-bedroom home has a $599,000 price tag.

CoreLogic shows Albury’s median house price increased 16.6 per cent in the past two years to about $500,000.

“Alongside less than 1 per cent vacancy rates, you can see why many first-time investors are looking here to get a foot on the property ladder,” Mr Edge said.

Wodonga Real Estate director Mark Rosevear said the area has a “recession-proof economy” which was buoyed by employment opportunities in tourism, government and retail.

6 Fulford Street, Wodonga sold for $285,000.

The area has been praised for its affordability.

“We’re a more affordable destination than traditional regional centres like Geelong and Ballarat, because we’re just a little further away up the Hume Highway,” Mr Rosevear said.

“But that makes it an attractive proposition for an investor — with a very tight rental market our yields can be some of the best, up around 5-6 per cent.”

He said inquiry rates had spiked during the pandemic.

Land in Albury Wodonga has been selling fast since the HomeBuilder grant was announced.

This block in Dartmouth sold for just $25,000.

“It’s an extremely hot market at the moment, with land sales going through the roof due to the federal government’s $25,000 HomeBuilder grant,” Mr Rosevear said.

“Residential homes are selling very quickly at full price … Wodonga seems to be doing a lot better than Albury at this point in time due to affordability, but it’s also largely cheaper to build new homes under the Victorian Government.”

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Contact Cassandra at cassandra.glover@news.com.au

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Snake Valley church has buyers caught between heaven and hell

791 Linton-Carngham Road, Snake Valley - for herald sun real estate

791 Linton-Carngham Road, Snake Valley, has a regional address that could be heaven or hell, depending on how you feel about serpents.

A historic church is bringing a little mystery and a lot of buyers’ eyes to a small goldfields hamlet with a name some would call their idea of hell.

The former Welsh Methodist church at 791 Linton-Carngham Road, Snake Valley has been converted as a weekender with a rustic industrial vibe on the inside that’s piqued buyers’ interests — even though the town name has piqued their nerves.

Buxton Ballarat’s Brayden Dorney said he’d had to reassure a number of the 58 people who had inquired to date after they asked “why it is called Snake Valley”.

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Regional Victoria building boom as Melburnians look outside capital

While it was reputedly named by an 1850s gold miner who found snakes in a shaft he was sinking, today the town just west of Ballarat is better known for its general store, primary school and golf course.

And the Norman-style church’s $299,000-$325,000 asking price has been enough to get buyers from around Australia keen to visit the 2389sq m property, once the nation’s borders open up again.

791 Linton-Carngham Road, Snake Valley - for herald sun real estate

The home’s interior is described as a blend of rustic and industrial.

“We have had calls from Queensland and New South Wales from buyers who are just hanging for us (Victoria) to finish our lockdown so they can cross the border and have a look,” Mr Dorney said.

“A lot of them are looking to upgrade it as a residence.”

Another part of the attraction is a chance to find out what remains inside the property’s sealed off belltower.

“It’s a bit of a mystery as to what’s up there,” Mr Dorney said.

“There could be a ladder up, or the old bell up there.”

791 Linton-Carngham Road, Snake Valley - for herald sun real estate

The former church’s cathedral ceilings add character to the upper floor.

Whatever was found within, the tower would certainly offer an impressive view over the local countryside if the next owner was willing to install a way up there, he said.

The church became a local scout hall after it was sold off in 1996, and was converted to a two-bedroom residence about 15 years ago.

A time capsule set into its walls and a plaque added to the property when it was built in 1908 have also marked it as a historic site, with Heritage Victoria documents noting it as the state’s first building made using concrete blocks to form a hollow wall cavity.

It is also the second church built on the site.

791 Linton-Carngham Road, Snake Valley - for herald sun real estate

It is expected the next owner will update the kitchen, which still has a wood-burning stove.

The current owner has used it as a getaway, and the floorplan currently features an open-plan living zone with a bedroom hidden behind a partition wall and the option of an additional one on a mezzanine level. The upper floor is a dedicated sleeping loft.

“It’s fairly rustic, but has an industrial feel as well — and even still has a wood-fired oven,” Mr Dorney said.

“It’s a bit tired these days, being more than 100 years old, and would benefit from some love — but it’s got some character.

“And it’s solid as a rock.”


791 Linton-Carngham Road, Snake Valley - for herald sun real estate

The bathroom has a distinctly country vibe with exposed iron sheeting and a freestanding tub.

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